(Lina)
Leaving the ladies felt both freeing and frustrating. I had done well—better than I expected—but now I needed space to breathe.
As I walked through the long hallways, I replayed our conversations in my head. The way those women had smiled at me, the laughter we shared. I was still surprised at how quickly I was blending in here, but that didn't mean I was ready for more. Not yet.
As I turned the corner, I suddenly felt a strong hand grip my wrist, pulling me off balance. "What the—"
Before I could react, I was yanked into a dark closet, the door slamming shut behind me. My heart raced, my instincts kicking in. I spun around, ready to fight, but my surprise melted into anger when I recognized the intruder.
"Nicholas," I snapped, glaring at him. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"
He leaned against the door, blocking my escape with a smirk on his face. "I wanted to talk to you, Isabella."
"Let me go!" I tugged at my wrist, but he held on tightly, his grip surprisingly strong. "I don't have time for whatever game you're playing."
His eyes narrowed, a flash of annoyance crossing his features. "Game? You think this is a game? You've changed so much. I need to understand why."
"Why do you even care?" I shot back. "You're too busy pining over Lady Elara to bother with me."
His jaw clenched at the mention of her name. "This isn't about her. This is about you. You were weak before—too submissive. Now you act like you own the palace. What's your real agenda?"
I felt furious when he said that. "I'm not weak! I'm not going to let you or anyone else walk all over me anymore."
Nicholas stepped closer, invading my space. I could feel his breath against my face, a mix of confusion and intensity in his eyes. "Then what do you want?"
"Let me go!" I shouted, trying to push him back. "I'm not sticking around to watch you chase after someone else."
With a swift motion, he grabbed my other arm, pulling me against him. I could feel the heat radiating from his body. He leaned in, his face inches from mine. "You think you're so strong, but I see through you. You're still that same scared girl inside."
Before I could react, he leaned in and pressed his lips against mine. I recoiled, the shock of his touch sending my mind into overdrive. I fought back instinctively, shoving against his chest with all my strength.
"Get off me!" I cried, pushing harder until he stumbled back, surprised by my resistance.
I knew I was stronger than I looked, and in that moment, I tapped into every ounce of training I had received as a soldier. I wasn't going to let him overpower me. With a swift kick, I aimed for his knee, forcing him to back off just enough for me to break free.
"Isabella, wait!" He called out, reaching for me again, but I slipped past him and yanked open the door, stepping into the hallway. My heart was pounding, but I refused to look back.
I hurried away, the adrenaline still coursing through my veins. I couldn't believe he had dared to kiss me like that. He thought he could intimidate me? Not anymore. I was not going to play by anyone's rules but my own.
As I made my way back to my room, I felt the urge to pack my belongings and leave this palace, but I knew that running away wasn't the answer. Instead, I needed to show everyone, including Nicholas, that I wasn't weak. I wouldn't allow him or anyone else to define who I was.
Once inside my room, I took a moment to collect myself. I breathed in and out, letting the anger dissipate. I needed a plan. I could feel the gold coins in my pocket, a reminder that I had resources now.
After a few moments, I picked up the small bell beside my bed, ringing it for assistance. Moments later, two palace helpers entered, their expressions curious but respectful.
"Your Highness, how may we assist you?" One of them asked, bowing slightly.
"I need to move my things to another room," I said, my voice calm. "I want to change my accommodations."
"Of course, Your Highness," The other helper replied, eyes wide. "Where would you like to move?"
"Just a different room in this wing. Anywhere away from Nicholas." I wasn't about to explain my reasons, and thankfully, they didn't ask for details. They were too eager to please, and that worked in my favor.
They helped me gather my clothes and other personal items, loading them onto a small cart.
Once we arrived at a new room, I felt satisfied. It was large as well and cozy, with sunlight streaming through the window. I turned to the helpers. "Thank you for your assistance."
They smiled, bowing again before leaving me alone.
I surveyed the new space, already feeling more at ease. It was quiet here, free from any expectations and judgments. As I unpacked my things, I thought about what had just happened. Nicholas's actions had infuriated me a lot.
I wasn't going to let him, or anyone else, dictate my worth.
Later that evening, I decided to head back to the main hall for dinner. I knew Nicholas would likely be there, and I would not hide away. If anything, I was determined to face him.
I dressed carefully, choosing a gown that made me feel both beautiful and powerful. Different from the clothes that I was used to wearing. It hugged my curves, the deep green color complimenting my eyes and enhancing my confidence.
As I entered the hall, I could feel eyes on me. The chatter quieted slightly as I stepped in, and I took a deep breath, reminding myself of my purpose. I scanned the room, quickly spotting Nicholas. He was deep in conversation with Lady Elara, a smile on his face that twisted something inside me.
It should have been a small victory to see him appear happy, but instead, I felt annoyed. I wasn't about to let that ruin my night. With my head held high, I made my way toward the long table where the nobles were seated.
I ignored the whispers and stares, focusing on the food and the laughter around me. I joined a few of the ladies from earlier, who greeted me with smiles and friendly waves.
As I settled into a conversation, I could sense Nicholas's gaze on me, and it sent a thrill through my veins. He would see that I was stronger now, that I was no longer the Isabella who hid in the shadows.
The night progressed with laughter and food, but I felt Nicholas's presence, a silent storm brewing in the corner of my mind. He approached me later, interrupting my conversation with a friendly smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"Isabella," He began, and I could feel the tension between us. "I wanted to apologize for earlier. I was out of line."
I looked at him, my expression calm. "You think?"
"I didn't mean to force myself on you," He continued, his voice sincere but with a hint of frustration. "I just wanted to understand you. You've changed."
I raised an eyebrow, challenging him. "Why do you care so much? You've made it clear where your affections lie."
His jaw tightened, and for a moment, I saw a flash of vulnerability in his expression. "It's not just about her. You're different now. Stronger. I don't want to see you get hurt."
"Really?" I replied, crossing my arms. "You're concerned about me? Last I checked, you were busy chasing after Lady Elara."
Nicholas sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I don't want you to think that I don't see you. You're not the weak girl I thought you were. I just… I need to figure this out."
"You don't need to figure me out," I said firmly. "I'm not a puzzle for you to solve. I'm done playing the role of a weak princess."
With that, I turned and walked away, my heart pounding. I could feel his gaze on me, but I didn't look back. I was done being anyone's second choice.
That night, I lay in my new room, reflecting on everything that had happened. I was a soldier in this game, and I was ready to fight for my place, no matter what it took. I would no longer be weak, and I would make sure that everyone, including Nicholas, understood that I was a force to be reckoned with.